Well, this game wasn’t easy, and the return game at IU Indianapolis will probably be just as difficult. But the Panthers survived a slow start to outlast the Jaguars in Milwaukee. Themus Fulks led the Panthers with 26 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. Kentrell Pullian added 20 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds, including a key defensive board late that helped seal the win. Jamicheal Stillwell battled and banged with the Jaguars frontcourt all game, which resulted in a 10-point, 13-rebound effort. With the latest double-double work shift, Stillwell broke the school record with five games in a row.
The impressive duo of Paul Zilinskas and Sean Craig led the Jaguars. Zilinskas scored 21 points, while Craig was a menace on both ends, contributing 22 points and 8 rebounds. 7-foot center Julian Steinfeld only scored 2 points but made life miserable for the Panthers in the paint. He was a rim deterrent and influenced many shot opportunities to be taken beyond the arc, where Milwaukee shot 5-15. Fulks broke this padlock in the lane by consistently attacking the basket and creating opportunities for his peers.
Lundy added, “We were able to get paint touches, and Themus kind of lived in the paint.” Fulks also lived at the line too, sinking 14 out of 16 shots. Fulks expressed his appreciation for having carte blanche control over offense and tempo. “Coach Lundy gives me a lot of freedom out there, and I’m just trying to make the right play.”
Stillwell led the comeback with a stifling defense on Zilinskas during key possessions down the stretch. His key steal and dunk with a little over 3 minutes left ignited the team and the sometimes sleepy fans in the Klotsche Center. The junior forward followed up with another layup almost a minute later, thanks to a dime from Pullian. The basket gave Milwaukee the lead for good at 74-72. The basket gave Milwaukee the lead for good, 74-72. From that point forward, the Panthers maintained control and alternated solid free-throw shooting with timely defensive stops.
The Good
Free from 15 feet: The Panthers shot 73% from the line, hitting 27-37 free throws.
Bench Mob: Another point of pride has to be the “Bench Mob” again. Although their stats aren’t eye-popping, the energy and scrappy play gave Milwaukee a boost during many hard-fought possessions. Erik Pratt, Danilo Jovanovich, and Johnny Lovelace Jr. reported to the scorer’s table with mean intentions each time they were called on.
Speed Racers: Finally, Milwaukee scored 31 fast break points, which wore down the Jaguars as the game went on.
The Bad
Rough Start: Milwaukee only shot 43.33% in the first half and 18.18% (2-11) from the three-point range.
Analytics
- The Jaguars had a challenging afternoon from 3-point land, shooting 7-23 (30.4%).
- Milwaukee out-rebounded IU Indianapolis 36-26 and dominated the aforementioned advantage in transition, outscoring the Jaguars by 26 points on fast breaks.
Offensive Player of the Game
Themus Fulks
26 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 14-16 FT
Defensive Player of the Game
Jamicheal Stillwell
10 points, 13 rebounds (10 defensive)
What’s Next
Milwaukee will take their Michigan road trip after the new year. The Panthers play at Oakland on Thursday (01/02) and at Detroit Mercy on Saturday (02/04).
